Give Your Dumpster a Break: 5 Wasteful Things You Don’t Need

In today’s society, there are a number of things you can do to help keep waste to a minimum while also replenishing the planet. More than ever, recycling efforts are on the rise, urban gardens are gaining popularity, and the “green” movement is spreading rapidly. However, if you’re looking to cut out small and potentially environmentally harmful actions, then look no further than the following list, which will jumpstart your efforts to making the planet a better place for you and generations to come.

1. Rid Your Home of “Throw-Away” Items

When you’re shopping for your kitchen, remember to avoid buying plastic wrap and tin foil, as well as paper plates and plastic utensils. These are harmful for the environment and produce more waste for landfills.

2. Avoid Pre-Packaged Items and Single Serves

Make sure you buy your groceries in a way that you avoid things like single-serving packaging, juice boxes, and individually-wrapped fruits and vegetables. Bring cloth grocery bags to the store to double up your efforts.

3. Sanitizers From the Store

While many of us are on the anti-germ bandwagon, using hand sanitizers in plastic bottles will only continue to build up unnecessary trash. You can make your own hand sanitizer from items around the house.

4. No More Water Bottles

If you live in an area where your water is a little on the funky side, don’t opt for water bottles. Instead, use a water service where containers will last weeks; or reuse the same water bottle and just wash it to avoid the spread of germs.

5. Recharge Your Batteries

It’s absolutely unnecessary to continue to purchase throw-away batteries when you can buy rechargeable batteries and a recharger.